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NFL's top 10 players of 2011 by position

Willis has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his four NFL seasons. He is a tackling machine who has become the cornerstone of the 49ers' defense.

Lewis has built impressive credentials for the Hall of Fame in his 15-year career. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he has been to 12 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLV. His skills are still strong at age 35, too, as 2010 marked his fifth straight Pro Bowl appearance.

About the only thing missing from Urlacher's resume is a Super Bowl title. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler in 11 seasons and a former Defensive Player of the Year.

Mayo has become a mainstay for the Patriots since being selected 10th overall in 2008. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year that season and earned his first Pro Bowl and first-team All Pro selection in 2010.

Beason followed in Miami footsteps that Ray Lewis paved to the NFL. He has become the centerpiece of the Panthers' defense and has earned three Pro Bowl appearances in his first four seasons.

Harris is an important cog in the hard-hitting defense run by Jets coach Rex Ryan. Still in search of his first Pro Bowl honor, Harris was tagged as the Jets' franchise player in February.

Fletcher is a 13-year veteran who has missed only one game in his entire career. He is as well-respected as any player in the league, and was a grinder on Rams, Bills and Redskins teams before earning his first Pro Bowl berth in 2009. He repeated that honor in 2010.

Vilma's career has had a resurgence since he joined the Saints in 2008. He has added his second and third career Pro Bowl appearances the past two seasons and was a key contributor to the Saints' run to a win in Super Bowl XLIV.

Hawk has never missed a game in his five seasons since the Packers drafted him fifth overall in 2006. He is a a fierce tackle who added three INTs in 2010 as he helped the Packers to a win in Super Bowl XLV.

Timmons continues the Steelers' long tradition for high-achieving linebackers. He has collected 15 sacks in his first four seasons and led the Steelers with 96 tackles en route to a berth in Super Bowl XLV last season.